Heathrow chief executive, John Holland-Kaye, said: “Despite Brexit uncertainty, Heathrow remains a bright light for the UK, with the role we play in keeping people and products moving evident.

“Our new domestic connections will be pivotal in linking more regions and nations to global opportunities, benefiting all corners of this great country and we look forward to announcing many more of these as part of the expansion programme.”

Africa performed especially well over the past month at Heathrow, with passenger numbers increasing by 6.2 per cent compared to the same time last year.